449 replies to this topic

[TWoP Dietrich]

TV Guide sez:

Echo is turned into a model wife for an Internet mogul (Patton Oswalt); the identity of Sierra's attacker is learned; Mellie's life is endangered; Ballard comes face-to-face with Echo.

Patton Oswalt!

[BooNasty0121]

I am Joss's bitch. And Adele is the shit.

[ButterflyBandit]

Oh. My. God.

That's it. That's all I've got.

[jmarrise]

Wow. Much better!

I don't know where to start!

So, who is the mole? Nerd chick seems too obvious, as does Dr. Claire. There aren't a lot of options though. It can't be Boyd, he was talking to Topher.

Mellie being a doll was the worst kept secret but I loved the remote activation/deactivation.

The Ballard/Echo fight was SO Buffy!

And I finally felt like there was a point (even if we don't know what it is yet)

Edited by jmarrise, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:09 PM.

[goddessrin]

Was watching BSG but tuned in just in time to see Doll!Mellie with a Buffy imprint. Awesome.

Oh and by the way guys? I'm a doll too. DUN DUN DUN.

[myriadphalanx]

Well, Joss wasn't kidding about the sixth episode being the gem of the bunch. I'm suddenly a lot more interested in seeing where this show is going.

How did Boyd figure out that the other handler was the rapist, exactly?

Edited by myriadphalanx, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:02 PM.

[stopeslite]

WOW they're moving fast. It looks like he didn't think he'd have more than one season, so it's all unspooling now before Fox pulls the plug.

They got me, I have to admit. I was all "Dang, I was wrong about Mellie" and then eeeeee!!!

More Ballard/Mellie sex, please. Thank you in advance.

I think it's all Adelle. But then again, that's what they want me to think.

[sunburyrs]

Holy crap.

I... wow.

That was so much better than anything I could have expected. Next week looks great, too.

[Ecksero]

Wow, I did not see any of that coming that was just amazingly good. Is this the same show?. Wow!

[Kit Kat]

I can't believe it lived up to the hype. That was.....wow.

Edited by Kit Kat, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:02 PM.

[ReadIshmael]

Oh. My. God. I wasn't entirely feeling this one (at least, no more than usual) for the first 20 minutes, which made me sad considering how much it'd been hyped, but then Boyd took out Sierra's rapist, and Ballard and Mellie were adorable, and then there was the fight scene, and the corrupted imprint, and Mellie being an active, and holy shit, holy shit, holy shit.

So much really disturbing shit in this episode. Ugh.

I ended up really liking the testimonial videos.

[jmarrise]

How did Harry figure out that the other handler was the rapist, exactly?

It wasn't totally clear to me, but he did figure out where there was a gap in the security cameras and realized that that meant it was someone who knew what he was doing, not Victor

Edited by jmarrise, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:05 PM.

[justwatchintv]

Wow. Just.... WOW. I haven't been this juiced about seeing an episode of a TV show since Buffy was in its prime.

Words. Justice. Cannot.

[Snark Shark]

So what have we learned today?

--The "bestest episode ever" tag is a little overblown. But it was fairly good.

--The early speculation, much of it here, that there is a worldwide network of Dollhouses is confirmed. Good job, TWoP!

--The speculation here that Adelle is far from in charge is made even more clear.

--The speculation that Mellie of the Melons is a Doll is proved. That one was SO easy though.

--The "Echo is special" logic is, to some degree, DISPROVEN a bit, since so many other Dollies are breaking.

--The idea that someone is trying to take down the Dollhouse from inside is proven. Adelle seems the most obvious choice, but her final conversation with Dominic dents that a bit. Topher's Nerd Assistant Girl seems kind of obvious, but is possible. Dr. Fred is possible. Topher himself is at least possible, if unlikely (who says the program was changed when he left the room, he could have done it himself?). An oddball choice like Dominic is at least possible, or potentially a Doll like Sierra or Echo could be doing double duty (after all, none of the doors in the Dollhouse LOCK, right?). Boyd is really the only one it can't be. And for more than just the fact that he was talking to Topher. He's really being played as the earnest outsider.

Edited by Snark Shark, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:07 PM.

[tze]

"PORN!"

I know it would be incredibly difficult for Ballard to be a post-plastic-surgery Alpha, but seriously? The man is a badass ninja.

[Suz e Q]

Over the past few years I have been saving this for Kripke. However, tonight's episode has made him worthy. Whedon you Magnificent Bastard!

There is too much about this episode. First off, I am SO glad they finally addressed consequences of the Dolls being practically helpless while not active. What happened to Sierra was terrible, and thankfully they treated it with at least some of the gravity it deserved. I am downright ecstatic at her handler's end. Sonofab*tch.

Mellie. Oh my god, Mellie. Halfway through the episode I was convinced that she wasn't a Doll and therefore would shortly be a casualty. When Mellie told Ballard that he should continue, that his work was important, I was sure that she would die horribly at Herns' (sp?) hand. But when Adelle called and activated her, my jaw literally dropped, and I sat there, mouth gaping, for the next five minutes.

I am so curious about the identity of the person on the inside! I want to go with Claire, because it seems obvious, but then again, it seems obvious. I really hope there is more contact between that person and Ballard. Eliza Dushku's delivery of that transition was flawless, and I am really in awe of her right now. Also, clever writing, to have Echo's imprint say "this body"- very well done and emphasizes that it is no longer the character speaking, but the program within her.

I cannot even describe how much I love this episode. I will have to watch it a few more times throughout the week, because I'm sure I missed stuff. Whedon, its official. You once again own my soul. Please be gentle.

[lucy112]

Disturbing yeah...good ep but this was the first one I had a hard time watching, just the scene with Sierra and that guy was yucky, and I pretty much couldn't look during the Mellie fight.

Sooo glad Mellie is a doll because seriously I thought she was pretty pathetic with the hanging all over Ballard, starved for attn bit.

Def think ED's acting is getting better- I enjoyed her last week, and thought the wife role she played she did a good job, for what it was. Loved her one last "Porn!" onthe way out the door.

[angora]

I'd been hoping Sierra's dick handler was the guilty party, so even though I'd predicted it, I was so glad when it turned out to be true. I didn't want it to be Victor, because I love Victor. Sierra, too. I want their innocent mind-wiped love to be mutual.

Ooh, an inside man! I'm intrigued. That was a cool moment, although I'm sure Ballard would've preferred this hidden programming to come out before Echo kicked so much stuffing out of him.

Does anyone else think they must've tweaked Mellie's programming after Ballard didn't take the moony, manicotti-bearing bait? She seemed so unlike what we've seen of her thus far, as did Ballard's interactions with her. It made me feel like we skipped ahead in their story a few episodes.

[AnonyGuest]

FINALLY, the show improves greatly when Fox stops meddling and lets Joss do what he wants. Mellie's reveal as a doll made me a little sad, I knew it was going to happen but still, when she kicked dude's ass my jaw DROPPED. It was AWESOME.

More Mellie/Ballard sex please, I really like them together and it'd be nice if Ballard actually you know wasn't in love with/didn't have a corny obsession with Echo. We all know he does, but still...Patton Oswalts story about his wife OH MY GOD T_T. I'm sure not all customers are quite so...erm what's the word...innocent and sad about their motives, but still it was sweet. Then again it could be because I really like the actor, so maybe it's biasing me.

BOYD TO THE RESCUE! Dang I love that guy. Adele is awesome as usual, remote activation? Awesome.

[rtms]

The Asian tech chick I think is the mole, that or Saunders.

Doesn't the remote activation/deactivation contradict what Topher said two weeks earlier? Still very cool and if Adele has had this done behind his back even cooler. That woman is a cold bitch.

Mellie being a doll was of course seen by everyone, but I like how she went from damsel in distress to cold killer in seconds. You just knew Adele wasn't going to let that prick go so easily.

Did Echo give herself away by remembering her previous imprint with the billionaire? Adele looked kinda alarmed there at the end.

[BertieWooster]

Topher himself is at least possible, if unlikely (who says the program was changed when he left the room, he could have done it himself?).

I'd say very likely considering Topher made a point to send his assistant off on an errand before completing the imprint. I'm pretty sure the Boyd "distraction" is misdirection.

[BitchySmurf]

This was better. I wish this episode had aired sooner. Maybe the show would have more viewers. I don't know that it's as great as everyone says. (Possibly because I thought SCC was better tonight.)

What if Echo was programmed to say that to Ballard to get him to willingly lay low for awhile? What if there isn't really a mole at all?

[greeneyed fem]

Adele IS the shit!

That was pretty awesome. But I have to say, the preview for next week might have made me even more excited. Maybe it's just that the show is taking off and I'm getting that oh-man-i-can't-wait-a-whole-nother-week-to-see-what-happens-next giddiness. Yeah, I think that's it.

And this ep put to bed any doubts about Joss & Co. having sexy illusions about what the Dollhouse is and does, right? I mean, yeah, you could still argue that the show's packaging is hypocritical, but we've got solid proof that the writers are aware of all the rape and human trafficking angles. I liked the interspliced TV interviews.

DAMN, Mellie switching back and forth was kick-ass! I was all happy that Mellie got some backbone, then that she got laid (well!), and THEN she goes all Commando!Mellie?! Too. much. fun.

So did Sierra just have the screaming reaction because she was grabbed unexpectedly? It wasn't really about Victor, right? And how cute is Victor? Adorable, is the word. (Although -- why is his doll name the same as his Russian gangster alter ego name?)

Yeeha! That was a good ride. More please!

[Snark Shark]

The Asian tech chick I think is the mole

If she is, I lose big respect for Joss. She's TOO obvious.

To me, the least obvious would be Laurence Dominic, with Topher being almost as much of a shock.

Adelle is kind of obvious too, but she wouldn't be that bad, because at least it wouldn't be as cliched as the nerdy assistant.

Dr. Fred wasn't around much this episode, so having it be her would just seem... weak. But it could be.

Edited by Snark Shark, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:15 PM.

[this life again]

The show has definitely picked up. I didn't watch any previews or anything but I was surprised to see that Mellie is secretly a long distance doll. Question is who is the mole? Really curious.

Also, maybe I am the only one but are we suppose to be rooting for the FBI/Ballard here? Or maybe that's the interesting aspect that there are good and bad guys on each side. If Mellie hadn't been a doll I wouldn't have minded if she was killed off. I find her character boring and her insecurity isn’t cute.

Ahh, can't wait for next week. I think my favorite character might be Adelle she is so wickedly cool.

My favorite quote of the night from Oswalt "isten here Mr. F.Bitch.I." hahaha or something like that.

Edited by this life again, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:19 PM.

[Gardel]

I'm glad to see all the positive reactions this episode is receiving. I was already sold on the show, but this just made it ten times more interesting.

Am I the only one who actually did enjoy the beginning of the episode? I thought that the conversation between Ballard and a DH client was really good and it didn't feel like it dragged at all.

Kinda predictable that the client caught with a doll had a sad story and motivation to hire one, but it worked for me and was just emotional enough to make me care.

[marko52]

I only watch four tv series. This was the best episode on any of them so far this season.

[stopeslite]

Doesn't the remote activation/deactivation contradict what Topher said two weeks earlier?

I don't think so. That was about imprinting and wiping the imprint. What Adelle did was more of a hypnosis trigger, which could have been part of the original implant Mellie was working under.

I have to admit I didn't like the fight scene much. Could they at least have some semblance of reality? Either or both of them would have been unconscious less than halfway through with the hits they were giving each other. And the chef didn't come looking around at all while they were hurling things at each other?

[iamsweetdee]

What if Echo was programmed to say that to Ballard to get him to willingly lay low for awhile? What if there isn't really a mole at all?

That is exactly how I interpreted the scene. Echo told Ballard all of that stuff to get him to back off and not compromise the "investigation". However, it would be funny if after all is said and done that Echo really is some kind of undercover agent.

ETA: The first twenty or so minutes were boring as hell. Too much exposition.

Edited by iamsweetdee, Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:17 PM.

[wibblebird]

YES.

I was watching, feeling like Bad Whedon is better than no Whedon. And now, I'm finally excited and waiting for the next episode. Thank you Joss!